In the lab with Dr Evelin Heck

Dr Heck is working on understanding the role of EBV in MS with Prof Francisco Quintana at Harvard Medical School, USA.

Dr Evelin Heck is an MS researcher from Argentina who has recently completed a two-year MSIF McDonald Fellowship. Her project explored an important and emerging area of research: the role of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) in the development of MS. 

Evelin carried out the fellowship virtually from Argentina, under the supervision of Professor Francisco Quintana at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, US. Despite not being able to travel to the US, the collaboration combined in-person meetings in Argentina with regular online supervision, allowing her to be fully involved in the team at the Quintana Lab. 

Investigating Epstein-Barr Virus and MS 

EBV is a very common virus – most people around the world are infected at some point in their lives. In low- and middle-income countries, or in more vulnerable societies, infection usually occurs during childhood, while in high-income countries it often happens in adolescence or early adulthood. While usually harmless, scientists have found strong links between EBV and MS. 

‘Almost everyone is infected with EBV during their lifetime, but people with MS seem to have a stronger response to this virus,’ says Evelin. 

Her research found that 100% of MS patients in Argentina showed signs of EBV infection and had higher levels of antibodies (the proteins the immune system makes to fight viruses). Looking more closely at immune cells called B cells, she and her colleagues found that EBV can change the behaviour of these cells. ‘It changes the activity of a novel gene. This change makes B cells more active, leading them to multiply, produce inflammatory molecules, and potentially trigger damage in the brain and spinal cord,’ she says. 

To test this idea, the team used laboratory models. When the specific gene was removed, the mice developed a more severe MS-like disease, suggesting that the gene plays a protective role against inflammation.  

‘These findings give us a better understanding of how EBV may drive MS and point to new possible ways of targeting EBV-related pathways for future treatments,’  

From Boston to Argentina: Strengthening the research field with new skills 

The MSIF McDonald Fellowships are about more than just research results — this fellowship gave Evelin the opportunity to develop advanced research skills and expertise. ‘The fellowship has significantly enhanced my capabilities in MS research,’ Evelin reflects.  

She learned to use RNA sequencing (RNASeq), a powerful tool that helps scientists see which genes are active in cells. This cutting-edge technique allowed her to identify genetic markers of immune cells that are specific to people with MS in Argentina. She also gained training in laboratory techniques, such as using specific mouse models, which are not currently available in her home country. ‘I will now have the expertise to conduct such experiments back home.’  Evelin shared.  

Evelin’s development as a researcher during her fellowship will help to strengthen the MS research field and improve clinical care in Argentina and other low- and middle-income countries.  

‘These newly gained competencies allow me to bridge the gap between advanced MS research and the needs of a low- and middle-income country such as Argentina. I can potentially translate complex genomic data into practical strategies for MS care, adapting advanced methodologies to local resource constraints. Moreover, I am prepared to mentor future researchers in these techniques, creating a sustainable research environment and fostering a knowledge-sharing culture.’ 

Building international research collaborations 

Another key part of Evelin’s fellowship was building connections. She collaborated with public and private institutions in Argentina that are engaged in MS research and patient support. At the same time, she deepened her partnerships with the Boston lab. 

‘These interactions not only supported my main project but also fostered long-lasting professional bonds that will be highly valuable for future research,’ she says. Her contributions also went beyond her main research project, involvement in related research led to Evelin co-authoring several scientific papers, including work published in the prestigious journal, Nature.  

Her supervisor, Professor Quintana, praised her achievements saying, 

‘Overall, Evelin has been an excellent Fellow. She leaves the program with enhanced technical and analytical expertise, as well as a strong network of collaborators. I am confident she will continue to make meaningful scientific contributions and play a leading role in advancing MS research in Argentina and beyond.’ 

What’s next? 

Evelin is determined to build on what she has learned. ‘The skills and techniques I learned during my time with Prof. Francisco Quintana’s lab have greatly strengthened my scientific training and will be directly applied to my future projects,’ she says. 

Her long-term ambition is clear: ‘My goal is to establish independent research that builds on these methodologies to explore mechanisms of neuroinflammation and potential therapeutic strategies. In the long term, I aim to contribute to international collaborations, advance translational research, and mentor young scientists in the field.’ 

About the McDonald Fellowships 

The McDonald Fellowship is a two-year programme enabling young researchers from low- and middle-income countries to gain experience at an MS research institution abroad. Fellows return to their home countries equipped with new skills, knowledge, and international networks to help advance MS research locally. 

The McDonald Fellowships are made possible through the generous support of our partners, ECTRIMS and FRANCESEP. 

Applications are now open for the 2026 McDonald Fellowships. Learn more here.

McDonald Fellowship Recipients 2020-2024